MIDDLESBROUGH town centre has begun the transformation into a major music festival site.

Tomorrow will see around 100 acts perform to thousands of Teessiders for the annual Middlesbrough Music Live event which kicks off at noon.

It is now in its ninth year and organisers believe with the likes of indie legends Ash, and upcoming stars like One Night Only, they have their best bill yet.

Graham Ramsay, from Ten Feet Tall which co-ordinates the festival on behalf of Middlesbrough Council, said: “We’re over the moon with the line-up this year. I know we probably say this every time, but literally, hand on heart, this is the best line-up we’ve ever had.

“Given our budget, we’re chuffed to bits to have pulled together a bill of this calibre.”

Tomorrow’s weather forecast says it will be cloudy with a temperature of 14°C.

The main stage will again be situated outside mima in Centre Square, following the success of last year’s festival when over 45,000 revellers enjoyed the 12 hours of free entertainment.

Middlesbrough Council’s executive councillor for culture Dave Budd said: “It’s one of the finest town centre performance locations in Europe. The success of the BBC’s Proms In The Park last September emphasised what a wonderful site it is.”

With the self-contained and gated site, there will be road closures on the day. Sections of Albert Road and Corporation Road will be closed and access to The Mall car park will be from the train station end of Albert Road.

Audience members will not be able to bring their own alcohol on to the site. There will, however, still be a selection of on-site bars.